Natasha Richardson dies at 45 after ski accidentNEW YORK – Natasha Richardson, a gifted and precocious heiress to acting royalty whose career highlights included the film "Patty Hearst" and a Tony-winning performance in a stage revival of "Cabaret," died Wednesday at age 45 after suffering a head injury from a skiing accident.

Alan Nierob, the Los Angeles-based publicist for Richardson's husband Liam Neeson, confirmed her death in a written statement.

"Liam Neeson, his sons, and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha," the statement said. "They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time..."

Part of what's bizarre about this is that she was conscious and walked away from the accident. The symptoms started to hit about an hour later and went downhill very quickly. I've been reading neurologists who have been asked to guess what might have happened, but we won't know unless they do an autopsy.

I guess the lesson is to take headaches after head injuries seriously, even if you didn't think it was a serious injury.

Ms. Richardson was one of my favorite great actress I watched since the 80's. Also one of the most beautiful woman around and the nicest I have seen. My heart really goes out to her husband Mr.Neeson and theirs sons because I know the feeling of losing a parent. I lost my dad right after Father's Day last year.